[cas_announce] Is There Weather in Outer Space? CAS Program September 3rd FREE for Members!
- From: Craig Niemi <craig_niemi@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: Announce CAS_ <cas_announce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:04:25 -0700 (PDT)
We think of Space as being an empty, airless vacuum. So with
no air or clouds or wind how can there be Space Weather? In fact space is full
of stars, planets, comets, meteoroids, asteroids, dust, molecules, atoms and
radiation. OK, “full of” is a relative term. This space environment is still a
better vacuum than can be produced in laboratories on Earth.
Our Sun provides the heat, light and energy that makes life
possible on our little planet. At its core, hydrogen atoms are being fused
together under extreme heat and pressure to release unimaginable amounts of
energy. The Sun goes through cycles of
high and low activity that repeats approximately every 11 years. Sun flares are
the most violent events in the solar system and in a matter of minutes a large
flare
releases a million times more energy than the largest earthquake. These
energetic particles stream out in all directions from the Sun, including toward
Earth, creating Space Weather.
A number of space weather effects are of interest to us on
Earth. A radiation dose from these energetic particles is a hazard for
astronauts on the International Space Station and for electronics on the
satellites we depend on in our daily lives. Geomagnetic field disturbances may
damage power systems, disrupt international and cell phone communications,
degrade high-tech navigation systems, or create the spectacular aurora
(Northern and Southern lights).
On Saturday September 3rd Pam
Bowers, Executive Director of the Drake Planetarium will present a
family friendly, interactive program on the new science of forecasting Space
Weather. Afterwards we’ll have activities & displays for all ages and
telescope viewing of our Moon and other space treasures. (Program and
activities held cloudy or clear, viewing is weather permitting)
Saturday
September 3rdProgram
begins at 7:00. Viewing
follows after 8pm
(weather permitting)$3.00 for Adults, Kids under 12 FreeOpen to all
ages.No reservations required.
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- » [cas_announce] Is There Weather in Outer Space? CAS Program September 3rd FREE for Members! - Craig Niemi
